Trump Previews 'Major Discussions' With Japan on NKorea, Trade

President Donald Trump is stressing his close ties with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as the two have dinner together Sunday to conduct “major discussions” on North Korea and trade.

“We’re in the midst of having very major discussions on many subjects, including North Korea and trade and we’re doing very well,” Trump told reporters in front of a restaurant in Tokyo alongside Abe.

“Doing very well.”

The two leaders are dining with their wives in Tokyo, as part of Trump's first stop on a 12-day trip through Asia.

Trump says that he and Abe "like each other and our countries like each other." He adds that "I don't think we've ever been closer to Japan than we are right now."

The president adds that they are discussing a number of subjects "including North Korea and trade and other things."

“We’ll have dinner tonight. I think we’ll insult everybody by continuing to talk about trade. But the time is a little bit limited and then tomorrow is a very busy day.”

Air Force One landed in Japan under clear blue skies Sunday and Trump stepped out with his wife Melania in bright sunshine to greet the crowds.

Speaking to reporters on the plane, he announced he would likely be meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin during the tour, as the international community seeks a solution to the North Korean missile crisis.

"I think it's expected we'll meet with Putin, yeah. We want Putin's help on North Korea, and we'll be meeting with a lot of different leaders," Trump told reporters on Air Force One.

He added that North Korea was a "big problem for our country and for the world, and we want to get it solved" but had kind words for the people in the hermit state.

"I think they're great people. They're industrious. They're warm, much warmer than the world really knows or understands. They're great people. And I hope it all works out for everybody," he said.